Проклятие мумии, или Камень Семи Звезд

           Onthecliff,withthewideexpanseofwonderfulseabeforeme,andnosoundbutthedashofwavesbelowandtheharshscreamsoftheseagullsabove,mythoughtsranfree.DowhatIwould,theyreturnedcontinuouslytoonesubject,thesolvingofthedoubtthatwasuponme.Hereinthesolitude,amidthewidecircleofNature’sforceandstrife,mymindbegantoworktruly.UnconsciouslyIfoundmyselfaskingaquestionwhichIwouldnotallowmyselftoanswer.Atlastthepersistenceofamindworkingtrulyprevailed;Ifoundmyselffacetofacewithmydoubt.Thehabitofmylifebegantoassertitself,andIanalysedtheevidencebeforeme.

           ItwassostartlingthatIhadtoforcemyselfintoobediencetologicaleffort.Mystarting-placewasthis:Margaretwaschanged—inwhatway,andbywhatmeans?Wasithercharacter,orhermind,orhernature?forherphysicalappearanceremainedthesame.IbegantogroupallthatIhadeverheardofher,beginningatherbirth.

           Itwasstrangeattheveryfirst.Shehadbeen,accordingtoCorbeck’sstatement,bornofadeadmotherduringthetimethatherfatherandhisfriendwereinatranceinthetombatAswan.Thattrancewaspresumablyeffectedbyawoman;awomanmummied,yetpreservingaswehadeveryreasontobelievefromafterexperience,anastralbodysubjecttoafreewillandanactiveintelligence.Withthatastralbody,spaceceasedtoexist.